Sette e mezzo – Rules

Play Sette e mezzo against the computer

1. Overview

What is it about? Sette e mezzo is the Italian sister of Blackjack and a popular family game at Christmas. Number cards count their value, face cards only half a point. Everyone tries to get as close to 7½ as possible. One special card – the king of coins, “la matta” – counts whatever you like.

2. Cards and material

• Pack: 40 Italian cards (denari, coppe, spade, bastoni) – or Spanish cards with oros for denari.
• Card values:

• Face up and face down: Each player's first card is face down, further cards face up.
• Counters: for the bets. On cardgames.zone there is never any real money involved.

3. Preparation and start

1. Choosing the bank: By lot or in turn.
2. Bets: Each player places counters.
3. Deal: Everyone (including the bank) gets one card face down.
4. Start: The player left of the bank begins.

Start example: Player 3 is the bank. Player 1 bets 20 counters and receives a 5 face down.

4. Goal and winning

• Won: Your total is closer to 7½ than the bank's, or the bank goes over.
• Lost: You go over 7½ (“sballato”) or the bank has the same or more.
• Tie: The bank wins.

5. Play in detail

Your turn.

1. Look at your face-down card.
2. Say “carta” for another card (face up) or “sto” to stand.
3. If you go over 7½, show your cards at once and lose your bet.

The bank.

1. When all players are done, the bank turns over its card.
2. The bank draws as long as it likes and then compares with all remaining players.
3. If the bank goes over, everyone still in wins.

Example with Players 1 to 4. Player 3 is the bank.

1. Player 2 has a 6 and stands.
2. Player 4 has a fante (½) and draws a 7: 7½ – with two cards!
3. Player 1 has a 5 and draws a 2: 7. He stands.
4. Player 3 reveals a 4, draws a re (½) and a 2: 6½. He stands.
5. Result: Players 4 and 1 win (7½ and 7 beat 6½). Player 2 loses (6). Player 4 gets a double win for his 7½ with two cards.

6. Scoring

• Changing the bank: A player with 7½ in two cards often becomes the new bank (unless the bank has it too).

7. Special rules and situations

• Matta: The king of coins counts whatever value helps you. Together with a 7 it makes 7½.
• Sballato: Going over 7½ must be shown at once.
• Bank pays all: If the bank goes over, it pays all players still in.
• No fixed bank rule: Unlike Blackjack, the bank decides freely whether to draw.
• Common mistakes: drawing again on 6 (the risk is high); forgetting that ties go to the bank.

8. Variants

Standard in this description: one face-down card, face cards ½, matta as joker, ties to the bank.

When playing against the computer on cardgames.zone you play with up to four others against the bank, 5, 10 or 20 rounds with 500 or 1000 starting chips. The matta counts any value, and 7½ with two cards pays double.

9. Tips for beginners

1. Stand on 5 to 6: Many cards take you over 7½.
2. Face cards are safe: Each face card adds only ½ – you can almost always draw.
3. Draw on 4 or less: The risk is low.
4. Use the matta wisely: Don't fix its value too early.
5. Steady bets: Don't bet everything on one round.
6. As the bank: Draw until you beat most players.
7. Fun first: It's mainly a game of luck for sociable evenings.

10. Summary in 10 steps

1. 40 Italian cards.
2. Asso 1, 2–7 face value, face cards ½.
3. The king of coins (matta) counts anything.
4. Place bets.
5. Everyone gets one face-down card.
6. “Carta” (another card) or “sto” (stand).
7. Over 7½: lost.
8. The bank reveals and draws.
9. Closer to 7½ wins; ties go to the bank.
10. 7½ with two cards pays double.

11. Frequently asked questions

What is the matta?

The king of coins. It counts whatever value you need.

What happens on a tie?

The bank wins.

What is a face card worth?

Half a point.

What is a sette e mezzo reale?

7½ with exactly two cards, e.g. a 7 and a face card. It pays double.

Can you play with French cards?

Yes, with 40 cards: remove the 8s, 9s and 10s; jack, queen and king count ½.

Is it allowed without money?

Yes, with counters it's an ordinary family game. On cardgames.zone there is never any real money involved.

Origin & history

Sette e mezzo is documented in Italy since the 19th century and is a relative of blackjack. It is traditionally played in the family at Christmas time.